SAMMY Awards

SAM's annual SAMMY Awards honors those individuals in the mountain resort industry who, at mid-career, demonstrate the enthusiasm, passion and creativity that will shape our future. SAMMY Award recipients are selected through a peer nomination process. Join us in identifying the dynamic personalities who will contribute to the growth and excitement of our sport and our industry.

Congratulations to the 2017 SAMMY Leadership Award winners!

Meet the 2017 SAMMY winners:

“These three individuals were nominated by their peers, who acknowledged that this quartet embodies the leadership qualities that will help the industry adapt to and flourish in changing times,” said SAM publisher Olivia Rowan. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the passion they bring to our industry.”

Amy Ohran has been a ski industry professional for 27 years. At Mt. Bachelor, she served as Snowsports School Director and Director of Staff and Snowsports. She moved to Truckee, Calif., in 2012, as President and General Manager of Boreal Mountain Resort, Woodward Tahoe, and Soda Springs Resort. She has influence across the industry, thanks to her roles on the California Snowsports Industry Association Board and Sustainability Committee, as well as the NSAA Snowboard Growth Initiative Committee. Amy has crafted innovative learn-to programs as well as sustainable strategies and programs, such as the “Recycled Water Initiative” at Soda Springs Resort, which earned the 2016 NSAA Golden Eagle Award for environmental excellence.

Christopher Nicolson joined Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA) in April 2016, following 30 years at a variety of B.C. areas: Sun Peaks, Whistler Blackcomb, Silver Star, and Forbidden Plateau, as well as St. Anton, Austria. Prior to joining CWSAA, he was President of Tourism Sun Peaks, where he helped the resort and community meet visitation goals in both summer and winter. On a smaller scale, Nicolson is a volunteer coach at the Kemano Ski Club in northern B.C., where he first learned to slide on snow. His mantra: “Skiing and snowboarding is more than a sport, it is an economic engine and an important part of our social fabric as North Americans.”

Ethan Mueller grew up on skis while parents Tim and Diane Mueller were building Okemo and, later, Triple Peaks. Ethan has inherited his dad’s business acumen and his mom’s knack of connecting with employees. He has worked in many sectors of the family business, as well as at Northstar and Steamboat. In his current position as Vice President of Operations for Triple Peaks, he shows his passion for continually improving the ski and ride product. Tellingly, his nominations came from employees, local town officials, and industry colleagues. All cited his perseverance, collaborative style, and thoughtful vision for connecting the resort and community.

Read more about these rock stars in our special SAMMY section of the May issue of SAM. Do you have something to share about our winners? Email: olivia@saminfo.com